Muscat – Oman Cricket (OC) announced a 15-member squad for the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, with Jatinder Singh set to lead the side as the nation prepares for its fourth appearance at the global event.
Five players – Aamir Kaleem, Sufyan Yousuf, Aryan Bisht, Zikria Islam and Mohammed Imran – who featured in the Asia Cup squad earlier in September, were dropped from the World Cup squad, while Wasim Ali, Jay Odedra and Karan Sonavale were recalled.
India and Sri Lanka will co-host the 20-team tournament across 29 days and eight venues (five in India and three in Sri Lanka) to be played from February 7 to March 8.
Oman begin their campaign against Zimbabwe on February 9 in the Sri Lankan capital of Colombo and then meet hosts Sri Lanka (Kandy) on February 12, followed by a match against Ireland (Colombo) on February 14. Duleep Mendis-coached Oman will conclude their group assignment with a game against heavyweights Australia in Kandy on February 20.
Oman will play warm-up matches against Zimbabwe on February 3 and against Sri Lanka A on February 6 in Colombo.
Speaking after the squad announcement, Duleep Mendis, head coach, said: “We have a good combination and mix of players. Majority of the players will be getting their maiden World Cup experience but this will be good for them.The players know that this is our fourth World Cup and it is time for Oman to make their presence felt as mere participation is not enough. It is time for us to get some positive results this time.”
Alkesh Joshi, OC treasurer and team manager, underlined the intent behind the selection, stressing that the team is determined to compete with purpose.
“This is our fourth appearance at the World Cup, and our objective this time is to make an impact,” Joshi said.
“We have made very careful selection decisions keeping that objective in mind.”
Joshi added that the final 15 was chosen for its ability to perform under pressure and contribute to match-winning moments.
“We have selected fifteen players who, in their own capacity, are capable of winning matches for us. We want to go into this World Cup with a positive and winning mindset, challenge strong teams and come back with a couple of victories.”
Oman are set to face a demanding assignment in the group stage, having been drawn in Group B alongside four Test-playing nations – Australia, hosts Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe and Ireland.
While acknowledging the challenge, Joshi expressed confidence in the squad’s readiness and belief.
“It is a tough group, but we are extremely confident in the squad and in the team that we have selected. The players are highly motivated and eager to go out and make a mark for themselves in this World Cup.”
A notable feature of the squad is its youthful makeup. A total of 11 of the 15 players will be playing in a World Cup for the first time, bringing freshness and fearlessness to the team.
“These young players come without any baggage of the past,” Joshi explained. “Along with the players who have played in a previous World Cup, it creates a very good combination of youth and experience. This balance gives us confidence that this could be one of the strongest squads Oman have taken to a World Cup.”
The belief in the squad is reinforced by the team’s performances over the last six months, during which players have shown steady improvement and competitive consistency.
OC Secretary and Chef-de-Mission Madhu Jesrani said: “This will be our fourth time participating in the World Cup, and it is a matter of great pride and honour. The boys have worked extremely hard and have done well during qualification. We are proud of the way they have represented Oman.”
Jesrani also acknowledged the efforts of the players, coaching staff and support personnel in preparing the team for the tournament.
Joshi said that the OC board was thankful to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth for their continued support, describing it as a key factor in Oman’s World Cup journey.
Oman squad
Jatinder Singh (captain), Vinayak Shukla (vice-captain), Mohammed Nadeem, Shakeel Ahmad, Hammad Mirza, Wasim Ali, Karan Sonavale, Faisal Shah, Nadeem Khan, Sufyan Mehmood, Hassnain Ali Shah, Shafiq Jan, Jay Odedra, Jiten Ramanandi, and Ashish Odedara.
Support Staff: Madhu Jesrani (Chef-de-Mission), Alkesh Joshi (team manager), Duleep Mendis (head coach), Sulakshan Kulkarni (deputy head coach), Dr. Ashish Awasthi (physio), Shiva Manhas (trainer), Mazher Khan (assistant coach), Zeeshan Siddiqui (analyst), Shreyash Kankal (logistics/media), and Bashir Ahmad (masseur).
